Six Amazing Wellness Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
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With obesity levels higher than ever, and life expectancies decreasing rather than increasing, these are pretty clear indications that, generally speaking, the human race is not in a good way. Of course there are numerous exceptions, and people do appear to be showing more of an active interest in eating right and getting plenty of exercise, but is that enough? Well, for many health officials, the answer is no. In order to reap the rewards associated with leading a healthy life, you yourself must become fit and healthy, and that is where people struggle. It seems as if, no matter where you turn, somebody will always try to tell you one thing, whereas somebody else will try to tell you another. For example, there are some people out there who will tell you to avoid carbohydrates, whereas others will swear by them. Whereas everybody is entitled to their opinions, when searching for ways of becoming fitter and healthier, it’s important to have all of the help you can get. In terms of natural supplementation however, you’d struggle to find somebody who does NOT sing the praises of Apple Cider Vinegar, and rightfully so. Here’s a look at some of the main wellness benefits associated with regular apple cider vinegar consumption.
Kills bacteria
Natural apple cider vinegar is renowned for its anti-bacterial properties, which is why it is a staple health supplement in many households. Apple cider vinegar has been proven to help destroy bacteria, including E.coli, both inside the body and on the foods you consume. Apple cider vinegar functions as a very powerful preservative, so homemade pickles and chutneys made with this vinegar will keep for decades upon decades and will barely lose any of their nutrients at all. The vinegar contains high concentrations of acetic acid, which has been proven to kill harmful bacteria. This means that once consumed it can help to maintain healthy internal bacterial levels. Not only that, but when applied to wounds, it can also keep them clean and prevent infection.
Promotes healthy digestion
Another reason why people tend to consume apple cider vinegar on a daily basis is because it promotes healthy digestion. The vinegar helps to keep PH levels balanced, and helps to promote lymphatic drainage. This allows the body to remove harmful toxins from the foods and drinks you consume, and to extract more nutrients in the process.
Can prevent chronic disease
In terms of boosting health and well-being, another key reason to consider consuming more apple cider vinegar, is the fact that doing so will reduce your chances of contracting a chronic disease. Balanced PH levels help to keep everything functioning as it should internally, including your immune system. This is especially beneficial because it a strong immune system will help to prevent your chances of contracting a chronic illness such as cancer. Apple cider vinegar is considered highly anti-carcinogenic, and this is one of the main reasons of why that is.
Helps promote weight loss
Nowadays, many natural slimming aids and fat burners will contain apple cider vinegar, or apple cider vinegar extracts, but why is that? Well, the reason for this is that studies have proven that apple cider vinegar does contain compounds which can help support weight loss and weight management. To begin with, it is thought that the vinegar can slightly increase the metabolism, which in turn will speed up the rate in which calories are burnt off. Not only that, but apple cider vinegar can also help to suppress the appetite and reduce cravings for sugar. As many sugary treats are a dieter’s worst nightmare, obviously this shows just how important apple cider vinegar can be. Though studies are still ongoing, there is also evidence to suggest that acetic acid, which is the primary ingredient found in apple cider vinegar, can increase fat metabolism in humans, which essentially means that it would allow the body to burn off more stored body fat and use it for energy. In terms of the appetite suppressing qualities, studies have found that those that regularly consume apple cider vinegar, are likely to consume, on average, around 200 to 275 calories less than they would have taken in ordinarily. It may not sound like much, but these 200 or so calories can equate to a very respectable weight loss at the end of the week.
Great for allergies
Whether you suffer from pet allergies, or seasonal allergies, if you aren’t supplementing with apple cider vinegar, you may wish to change things fairly quickly. Experts have revealed through extensive research, that apple cider vinegar can be hugely effective for people dealing with persistent allergies. Studies have revealed that regular consumption can help clear the sinuses, boost immunity, improve lymphatic drainable, and help to break up uncomfortable mucous in the throat and lungs.
Reduces blood sugar levels
Diabetes is a disease which is proving to be very worrying for health experts up and down the globe. In particular, type 2 diabetes is proving to be very common. This form of diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. This could be down to an insulin resistance, or it could be down to the pancreas shutting down and not being able to produce or secrete insulin at all. Apple cider vinegar is very effective because it enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels substantially. On average, blood sugar levels will drop by around 34% after consuming 50g of simple carbs such as white bread. For diabetics, and pre-diabetics, this is hugely promising and incredibly beneficial.